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Background: Health literacy is known as an important determinant of health and a causal factor in health differences between population groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral health literacy and oral health status of pregnant women referring to dental clinics of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.Methods and Materials: The current research was a cross-sectional study on 250 pregnant women aged 18 to 36 years who referred to health care centers covered by Shiraz University of medical sciences. All participants were evaluated in terms of literacy and oral health performance using OHL-AQ standard questionnaire, and oral health status were evaluated by DMFT and OHI indices. SPSS version 22 software was used for data analysis.Results: The participants were 250 pregnant mothers with an average age of 27.26 ± 4.63. In terms of education and job status, the group with a bachelor's degree with 46.8% and working mothers with 63.6% participated the most. The score of health literacy was 11/47±3/68 (moderate) and the score of health performance was 22/17±3 (moderate). The score of the DMFT index was 8/7±4/8 and the score of the OHI index was 1/17±0/64. A significant and inverse relationship was found between health literacy and health performance with oral and dental health status (P

Abstract Background There is no consensus on the frequency and timing of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in tendon healing. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single versus multiple PRP injections in the healing of patellar tendon defects in the experimental model, through histological and biomechanical investigation. Methods Forty-four male skeletally mature Dutch rabbits were randomly divided into the five study groups ( A, B,C, D,E). After creating a longitudinal acute patellar tendon defect on both knees (One-third the width of the patella tendon), the right legs of the rabbits were used as the intervention group and the left legs as the control groups. Animals in groups A, B, and C were euthanized on days 7, 14, and 28, respectively, after the first PRP injection. Animals in group D received the second PRP injection on day 10 and was euthanized on day 14. Animals in group D received the second and third PRP injections on days 10 and 20, respectively, and were euthanized on day 28. The outcomes were evaluated histologically (modification of Movin’s Grading) and biomechanically. Results The inflammatory condition was exaggerated in groups D and E. Load at failure was higher in the non-injected side of groups D and E, while there was no significant difference between the right and left legs of the three groups A, B and C. In other word, groups with a single PRP injection were more resistant to the increasing load compared to the groups with multiple PRP injections. Conclusions PRP improves tendon healing if injected early after injury, while its injection after the initial phase of injury hampers tendon healing. In addition, a single PRP injection seems to be more effective than multiple PRP injection. Therefore, in cases where PRP injection is indicated for tendon repair, such as acute tendon injury, we recommend using a single PRP injection during tendon repair surgery.

Abstract Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is an advanced post‐processing technique in magnetic resonance imaging that offers precise measurements of tissue magnetic susceptibility with impressive spatial resolution and sensitivity. This review examines the potential of QSM as a biomarker for early detection and monitoring of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since 2015, studies have consistently reported increased QSM values in the motor regions of individuals with ALS, indicating significant iron deposition. Iron accumulation is associated with dysfunction of the upper motor neurons and faster disease progression. Notably, increased QSM values were also observed in the critical subcortical areas responsible for motor function and cognitive control. However, standardizing optimized protocols, including background field removal algorithms, phase unwrapping approaches, and methods for final susceptibility map reconstruction, has the potential to enhance the consistency and reliability of QSM as an ALS biomarker. Overall, the current body of evidence strongly supports QSM in detecting iron dysregulation associated with neurodegeneration in both motor and extra‐motor regions in ALS. Furthermore, QSM's remarkable sensitivity to early pathological iron changes and its high specificity in distinguishing ALS positions make it a promising diagnostic and progression‐tracking biomarker.

In this study, the biodiversity of Chironomidae was investigated in Palmer Park Pond A, an urban vernal pond in Detroit, Michigan, USA. This study is developed as part of our ongoing Public Environmental Outreach Program at the Detroit Exploration and Nature Center in Palmer Park. Twenty-one Chironomidae species were discovered in and on the adjacent riparian vegetation of this pond using molecular and morphological methods. Three species Bryophaenocladius palmerparcum Namayandeh & Hudson sp. nov., Limnophyes stagnum Namayandeh, Guerra & Ram sp. nov., and Rheocricotopus (s. s.) angustus Namayandeh & Hudson sp. nov. are new to science. Bryophaenocladius palmerparcum sp. nov. and L. stagnum sp. nov. are unusual Orthoclads, with B. palmerparcum sp. nov. possessing a setose, short, and wide anal point and L. stagnum sp. nov. lacking lanceolate setae on both sexes. Based on the shape of superior volsella, R. angustus sp. nov., belongs to the effusus group, which was also confirmed by DNA barcoding molecular analysis. In this study, a new faunistic record was also found for the Nearctic as well as four new faunistic records for the state of Michigan. Ephemeral aquatic habitats such as vernal pools are often overlooked or destroyed by urbanization activities, controlling vector species, creating groomed fields, and/or residential development. Therefore, finding these new species demonstrates the biodiversity value of vernal ponds as important habitats, further motivating us to preserve them.

Abstract Papaver bracteatum, known for its high thebaine content and absence of morphine, has emerged as a promising alternative to opium poppy for codeine production. In this study, our objective was to create a diverse panel representing the natural variation of this species in Iran. To achieve this, we employed genotyping-by-sequencing to obtain genome-wide distributed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for phylogeographic analysis, population structure assessment, and evaluation of genetic diversity within P. bracteatum populations. A total of 244 P. bracteatum individuals from 13 distinct populations formed seven genetic groups, along with one highly admixed population. We observed a clear split between the populations inhabiting the Alborz Mts. in the east and Zagros Mts. in the west. In between these mountain ranges, the population of Kachal Mangan exhibited a high degree of genetic admixture between both genetic groups. At or after the end of the last glacial maximum, when climate conditions rapidly changed, all P. bracteatum populations experienced a strong demographic bottleneck reducing the already small effective population sizes further before they increased to their recent strengths. Our results suggest that the ongoing climate change together with human pressure on the species’ habitats and limited seed-dispersal ability are potential factors contributing today to rising genetic isolation of P. bracteatum populations. Our results provide genetic data that can be used for conservation measures to safeguard the species’ genetic diversity as a resource for future breeding approaches in this medicinally important species.

Abstract Background All orthopaedic procedures, comprising foot and ankle surgeries, seemed to show a positive trend, recently. Bone grafts are commonly employed to fix bone abnormalities resulting from trauma, disease, or other medical conditions. This study specifically focuses on reviewing the safety and efficacy of various bone substitutes used exclusively in foot and ankle surgeries, comparing them to autologous bone grafts. Methods The systematic search involved scanning electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane online library, and Web of Science, employing terms like 'Bone substitute,' 'synthetic bone graft,' 'Autograft,' and 'Ankle joint.' Inclusion criteria encompassed RCTs, case-control studies, and prospective/retrospective cohorts exploring different bone substitutes in foot and ankle surgeries. Meta-analysis was performed using R software, integrating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cochrane's Q test assessed heterogeneity. Results This systematic review analyzed 8 articles involving a total of 894 patients. Out of these, 497 patients received synthetic bone grafts, while 397 patients received autologous bone grafts. Arthrodesis surgery was performed in five studies, and three studies used open reduction techniques. Among the synthetic bone grafts, three studies utilized a combination of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB homodimer (rhPDGF-BB) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) collagen, while four studies used hydroxyapatite compounds. One study did not provide details in this regard. The meta-analysis revealed similar findings in the occurrence of complications, as well as in both radiological and clinical evaluations, when contrasting autografts with synthetic bone grafts. Conclusion Synthetic bone grafts show promise in achieving comparable outcomes in radiological, clinical, and quality-of-life aspects with fewer complications. However, additional research is necessary to identify the best scenarios for their use and to thoroughly confirm their effectiveness. Levels of evidence Level II.

Abstract In our study, blood concentrations of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) and urine concentrations of thallium (Tl) were measured together with related symptoms of heavy metal poisoning in cigarette smoking volunteers diagnosed with schizophrenia, in cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in the control group of non-smokers and not diagnosed with schizophrenia volunteers. Our study was performed on 171 volunteers divided into the following subgroups: patients diagnosed with schizophrenia with at least 1 year of continuous cigarette smoking experience (56 participants), cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia with at least one year of continuous smoking experience (58), and control group (not diagnosed with schizophrenia and non-smoking volunteers) (57). Smoking durations of cigarette smokers diagnosed with schizophrenia and cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia are not similar (p = 0.431). Blood Pb, As, and Cd concentrations and urine Tl concentrations were the highest in the subgroup of cigarette smokers not diagnosed with schizophrenia, followed by the subgroup of cigarette smokers diagnosed with schizophrenia, and the control group. Only blood Pb concentrations were significantly higher (probability value p

Abstract In the field of image processing and machine vision, object tracking is a significant and rapidly developing subfield. The numerous potential applications of object tracking have garnered much attention in recent years. The effectiveness of tracking and detecting moving targets is directly related to the quality of motion detection algorithms. This paper presents a new method for estimating the tracking of objects by linearizing their trajectories. Estimating the movement paths of objects in dynamic and complex environments is one of the fundamental challenges in various fields, such as surveillance systems, autonomous navigation, and robotics. Existing methods, such as the Kalman filter and particle filter, each have their strengths and weaknesses. The Kalman filter is suitable for linear systems but less efficient in nonlinear systems, while the particle filter can better handle system nonlinearity but requires more computations. The main goal of this research is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of estimating the movement paths of objects by combining path linearization techniques with existing advanced methods. In this method, the nonlinear model of the object's path is first transformed into a simpler linear model using linearization techniques. The Kalman filter is then used to estimate the states of the linearized system. This approach simplifies the calculations while increasing the estimation accuracy. In the subsequent step, a particle filter-based method is employed to manage noise and sudden changes in the object's trajectory. This combination of two different methods allows leveraging the advantages of both, resulting in a more accurate and robust estimate. Experimental results show that the proposed method performs better than traditional methods, achieving higher accuracy in various conditions, including those with high noise and sudden changes in the movement path. Specifically, the proposed approach improves movement forecasting accuracy by about 12% compared to existing methods. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that object trajectory linearization can be an effective tool for improving object tracking estimation. Combining this technique with existing advanced methods can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of tracking systems. Consequently, the results of this research can be applied to the development of advanced surveillance systems, self-driving cars, and other applications.

Background & Aim: Medication non-adherence remains a significant problem in managing the global epidemic of hypertension. This study aimed to explore the factors affecting medication non-adherence from the perspectives of both patients with hypertension and healthcare providers in Mahan health centers, located in Kerman province. Methods & Materials: This qualitative study utilized a conventional content analysis method within healthcare centers in Mahan city in 2022. A total of 29 participants were included in the study, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, with all interviews being recorded, transcribed verbatim, and utilized as the primary data for analysis. The trustworthiness of data was evaluated in accordance with the criteria established by Guba and Lincoln criteria. Results: Three categories of factors contributing to medication non-adherence among patients with hypertension were identified: ""nature of the disease and treatment," "individual and family factors," and "organizational factors." Factors related to the "nature of the disease and treatment" included the asymptomatic and chronic nature of hypertension as well as fatigue stemming from continuous drug use. "Individual and family factors" encompassed fear and internal doubts, a desire for non-pharmacological treatments, and inadequate family support. "Organizational factors" comprised high treatment costs and access to specialized services, insufficient support from treatment and care teams, and inadequate disease monitoring. Conclusion: Various factors across a spectrum of influences contribute to medication non-adherence in patients with hypertension. It is crucial for healthcare providers to engage in consistent patient education regarding the nature of the condition and the importance of medication adherence to enhance compliance among patients.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of emotion-focused therapy on executive functions in individuals who have experienced sexual trauma. The target population was all sexually assaulted individuals who visited the Iran Trauma Institute in Mashhad in 2021. The research method was practical in nature, and the data collection was quantitative and experimental. Three of the ten individuals selected as samples were women, as determined by the entry criteria. Childhood trauma questionnaires (CTQ), Emotional visual working memory capacity (EVWMC) were implemented in this investigation. Visual analysis of the graphs depicting the changes in the research variables and the effect size of each variable on the clients, as well as the percentage of improvement and the percentage of reduction in their score changes, were employed to conduct the data analysis using the appropriate formulas in the SPSS-26 software. The effect sizes of emotion-focused therapy of trauma (EFTT) on the working memory capacity of individuals with sexual trauma were relatively high in all three participants during both the intervention and follow-up periods. The results indicated that EFTT enhanced the executive function of working memory capacity in sexually traumatized individuals from a clinical perspective, thereby preventing sexual revictimization.

Background and Objectives: Students, as the builders of tomorrow's society, can be the foundation of many changes and developments. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship of emotional intelligence with hope and self-concept among nursing students of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 486 nursing students of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences in 2022-23 who met the inclusion criteria. The samples were selected by census method. The data were collected using a demographic information form, the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, Miller's Hope Questionnaire, and Beck's Self-Concept Questionnaire. Data analysis was done in SPSS 20 software using Pearson's correlation tests, one-way analysis of variance, t-test for two independent samples, and linear regression. Results: In this research, 50.40% of the participants were male and 49.60% were female. Most of the participants (13%) were studying in the first and third semesters. The mean and standard deviation of study variables were obtained at 129.58±10.76 for emotional intelligence, 41.64±4.79 for hope, and 86.68±8.82 for self-concept. With the exception of the relationship between the emotion regulation component and the deviant expression component (P=0.548), other components of the emotional intelligence variable showed a significant direct statistical relationship with all the components of hope and also the total hope score (P

Abstract Prostate cancer is one of the most common and fatal diseases among men, and its early diagnosis can have a significant impact on the treatment process and prevent mortality. Since it does not have apparent clinical symptoms in the early stages, it is difficult to diagnose. In addition, the disagreement of experts in the analysis of magnetic resonance images is also a significant challenge. In recent years, various research has shown that deep learning, especially convolutional neural networks, has appeared successfully in machine vision (especially in medical image analysis). In this research, a deep learning approach was used on multi-parameter magnetic resonance images, and the synergistic effect of clinical and pathological data on the accuracy of the model was investigated. The data were collected from Trita Hospital in Tehran, which included 343 patients (data augmentation and learning transfer methods were used during the process). In the designed model, four different types of images are analyzed with four separate ResNet50 deep convolutional networks, and their extracted features are transferred to a fully connected neural network and combined with clinical and pathological features. In the model without clinical and pathological data, the maximum accuracy reached 88%, but by adding these data, the accuracy increased to 96%, which shows the significant impact of clinical and pathological data on the accuracy of diagnosis.

Abstract Background Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are among the most challenging differential diagnoses in the neuromuscular domain, consisting of diverse genotypes and phenotypes. A mutation in the Docking Protein 7 (Dok-7) is a common cause of CMS. DOK7 CMS requires different treatment than other CMS types. Regarding DOK7’s special considerations and challenges ahead of neurologists, we describe seven DOK7 patients and evaluate their response to treatment. Methods The authors visited these patients in the neuromuscular clinics of Tehran and Kerman Universities of Medical Sciences Hospitals. They diagnosed these patients based on clinical findings and neurophysiological studies, which Whole Exome Sequencing confirmed. For each patient, we tried unique medications and recorded the clinical response. Results The symptoms started from birth to as late as the age of 33, with the mean age of onset being 12.5. Common symptoms were: Limb-girdle weakness in 6, fluctuating symptoms in 5, ptosis in 4, bifacial weakness in 3, reduced extraocular movement in 3, bulbar symptoms in 2 and dyspnea in 2 3-Hz RNS was decremental in 5 out of 6 patients. Salbutamol was the most effective. c.1124_1127dupTGCC is the most common variant; three patients had this variant. Conclusion We strongly recommend that neurologists consider CMS in patients with these symptoms and a similar familial history. We recommend prescribing salbutamol as the first-choice treatment option for DOK7 patients.

Abstract Background Citrus canker caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri (Hasse 1915) is known as a dangerous disease that has serious economic impacts on citrus production in many tropical and subtropical countries. In Iran, Citrus canker disease has caused significant damage to various citrus fruits, particularly limes. Nowadays, employing antagonistic bacteria as an effective and environmentally friendly method for plant disease management has gained special importance. Results Citrus leaf samples were collected from different regions of Iran, and after isolating epiphytic bacteria, ex planta and in planta investigations concerning antagonistic activities of the isolates against Xanthomonas citri pathotypes A and A* were performed. A total of 94 epiphytic bacterial isolates were isolated from citrus aerial parts. Based on biochemical, physiological, morphological, and genotypic tests, it was determined that these bacteria belong to the Bacillus and Staphylococcus genera. The highest inhibition activity against the pathogenic bacterium was related to isolates D4 and D5. Using the molecular method and the resulting dendrogram, it was found that these isolates were most similar to Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The present findings demonstrated that pathogenicity test on key lime leaves infected with X. citri pathotypes A and A*, along with the application of the biocontrol strain B. amyloliquefaciens, resulted in a significant reduction in the number of canker lesions. Conclusion The results strongly suggested that the identified antagonistic bacterial isolates hold promising potential as biocontrol agents for managing citrus bacterial canker disease.

Abstract Background To predict outcomes and identify potential therapeutic targets for cancers, it is critical to find novel specific biomarkers. The objective of this study was to search for and explore novel bladder cancer-associated protein biomarkers. Methods A library of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the JAM-ICR cell line was first generated, and clones with high affinity were selected. Hybridomas were screened using bladder cancer (BLCA) cell lines and normal cells. The target of the selected mAb was then characterized through immunoaffinity purification, western blotting, and mass spectrometry analysis. Expression of the target antigen was assessed by flow cytometry and IHC methods. Several databases were also used to evaluate the target antigen in BLCA and other types of cancers. Results Based on screenings, a 6D6 clone was selected that recognized an isoform of beta-actin (ACTB). Our data showed that ACTB expression on different cell lines was heterogeneous and varied significantly from low to high intensity. 6D6 bound strongly to epithelial cells while showing weak to no reactivity to stromal, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells. There was no association between ACTB intensity and related prognostic factors in BLCA. In silico evaluations revealed a significant correlation between ACTB and overexpressed genes and biomarkers in BLCA. Additionally, the differential expression of ACTB in tumor and healthy tissue as well as its correlation with survival time in a number of cancers were shown. Conclusions The heterogeneous expression of ACTB may suggest the potential value of this marker in the diagnosis or prognosis of cancer.

Abstract Introduction Brain metastases (BMs) are common in lung cancer (LC) and are associated with poor prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in the detection, diagnosis and management of BMs. This review summarises recent advances in MRI techniques for BMs from LC. Methods This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus and the Web of Science. The search was limited to studies published between January 2000 and March 2023. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using appropriate tools for different study designs. A narrative synthesis was carried out to describe the key findings of the included studies. Results Sixty‐five studies were included. Standard MRI sequences such as T1‐weighted (T1w), T2‐weighted (T2w) and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) were commonly used. Advanced techniques included perfusion‐weighted imaging (PWI), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and radiomics analysis. DWI and PWI parameters could distinguish tumour recurrence from radiation necrosis. Radiomics models predicted genetic mutations and the risk of BMs. Diagnostic accuracy was improved with deep learning (DL) approaches. Prognostic factors such as performance status and concurrent chemotherapy impacted survival. Conclusion Advanced MRI techniques and specialised MRI methods have emerging roles in managing BMs from LC. PWI and DWI improve diagnostic accuracy in treated BMs. Radiomics and DL facilitate personalised prognosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a key role in the continuum of care for BMs of patients with LC, from screening to treatment monitoring.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains have emerged as important foodborne patho-gens of global public health concern, causing life-threatening diseases. Animals and their products have been documented as important reservoirs for STECs, especially E. coli O157. The aim of this study was to investigate STECs from healthy and diarrhoeic sheep in Sanandaj, Iran. In the current study, a total of 81 sheep faecal samples were taken (22 from diarrhoeic sheep and 59 from healthy sheep). E. coli and subsequently STEC strains was detected according to standard protocol (cultural characterisation and PCR assays). Finally, the frequency of Shiga-toxin producing gene(s) (stx1, stx2), intimin (eaeA) and enterohaemolysin (hlyA) was detected among STEC isolates using duplex PCR. Totally, 42 E. coli were isolated from 81 faecal samples (51.85% contamination). Of these, 34 isolates (80.9%) were identified as STEC patotypes based on Sorbitol-MacConkey (SMAC) medium culturing and also the presence of stx1 and/or stx2. Of these, only 3 isolates (7.1%) were identified as serotype O157:H7 based on PCR assay. In addition, the results showed that STEC bacteria were sig-nificantly more prevalent in diarrhoeic samples than in healthy samples (50% vs. 22.1%). Overall, the PCR results showed that 33 (97%), 12 (35.3%) and 8 (23.5%) isolates carried stx1, stx2 and hlyA, respectively. The eaeA gene was not found in any isolate. The number of isolated STEC bacteria in spring (10 isolates) and winter (14 isolates) were significantly higher than those in summer (4 iso-lates) and autumn (6 isolates) (P=0.039). Also, the number of STEC in diarrhoea samples was signifi-cantly higher compared to non-diarrhoea samples (P=0.032). In conclusion, the present study re-vealed high prevalence rate of STEC including serotype O157:H7 and non-O157:H7 in sheep faeces which highlights the importance of sheep as a reservoir of STEC pathogen in Sanandaj region. Therefore, additional control and preventive measures must be undertaken to control the contamination by this pathogen.